Supreme Court: Right to Life Includes Access to Safe, Well-Maintained Roads

Quick Summary

• The Supreme Court declared access to safe, motorable, and well-maintained roads as an essential part of the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
• It also reiterated that the right to travel across any part of India is guaranteed under Article 19(1)(g) with certain exceptions and restrictions.
• Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan emphasized that maintaining roads is the duty of the state.
• The judgment arose from an appeal by Umri Pooph Pratappur (UPP) Tollways private Limited against Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation Limited (MPRDC) concerning a concession agreement for road development on a Build,Operate and Transfer basis.
• The project involved a ₹73.68 crore investment aimed at upgrading a district road section in madhya Pradesh.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The Supreme Court’s ruling underscores how infrastructure plays a direct role in citizens’ rights under India’s Constitution, particularly emphasizing safe travel as integral to life’s quality and freedom of movement across the contry. by placing unequivocal accountability on States for road maintenance, it demands efficient governance over critical public utilities directly linked to economic activities and social mobility.

The verdict also highlights complexities surrounding public-private partnerships (PPP), evidenced by disputes like this one between UPP Tollways Pvt Ltd and MPRDC over contractual terms for road development projects worth important investment sums like ₹73.68 crores. this case reflects not only legal principles but practical challenges governments face in balancing developmental goals with private sector cooperation while ensuring constitutional obligations are met effectively.read more: [Link unavailable]